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Sungnyemun Gate (숭례문)
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Sungnyemun Gate (숭례문) · © KTO · KOGL Type 3

Seoul

Sungnyemun Gate

Sungnyemun (Namdaemun) is the historic southern main gate of Seoul's Joseon city wall, originally built in 1398 and Korea's National Treasure No. 1. After a devastating arson attack in 2008, the gate underwent a five-year traditional restoration that returned it to its original form, completed in 2013. The two-story wooden structure on a stone base sits at a busy traffic island in central Seoul, surrounded now by the Namdaemun Market complex. The gate is most striking at dusk when illuminated, with traffic flowing on either side. Free to view from the surrounding plaza; interior open during occasional special tours. Pair with Namdaemun Market and Seoul Plaza.

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Why go

Sungnyemun (Namdaemun) is the historic southern main gate of Seoul's Joseon city wall, originally built in 1398 and Korea's National Treasure No. 1. After a devastating arson attack in 2008, the gate underwent a five-year traditional restoration that returned it to its original form, completed in 2013. The two-story wooden structure on a stone base sits at a busy traffic island in central Seoul, surrounded now by the Namdaemun Market complex. The gate is most striking at dusk when illuminated, with traffic flowing on either side. Free to view from the surrounding plaza; interior open during occasional special tours. Pair with Namdaemun Market and Seoul Plaza.

Quick highlights

  • Historic southern main gate of Joseon Seoul, built 1398
  • Korea's National Treasure No. 1
  • Restored 2013 after 2008 arson damage
  • Two-story wooden structure on a stone base
  • Pair with Namdaemun Market and Seoul Plaza

Live crowd right nowUpdated 1:45 AM KST

Relaxed~1,000–1,500 people in the area

Getting busier over the next few hours — visit soon if you prefer calm.

Source: Seoul Real-time City Data (live population), updated every 5 min.

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FAQ

Where is Sungnyemun Gate located?

40 Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul

What are Sungnyemun Gate's opening hours?

Opening hours: 09:00-18:00 (Last admission 17:50) Hours come from the Korea Tourism Organization and can change by season or holiday — check the official channel before you visit.